Short-term health insurance companies in Arizona
As an independent insurance agent at Blake Insurance Group, I understand that choosing health insurance can be complex and daunting, especially when considering short-term options. Short-term health insurance can be a viable option whether you’re between jobs, waiting for employer benefits to start, or seeking a temporary coverage solution. In Arizona, several reputable companies offer flexible and affordable short-term plans tailored to diverse needs.
In this guide, we will delve into the specifics of Arizona’s short-term health insurance, providing a detailed look at the leading providers, plan comparisons, costs, and much more. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions that best suit your health coverage needs during transitional periods. Let’s explore the various aspects of short-term health insurance and how it can provide you with the protection you need when you need it.
Overview of Short-Term Health Insurance in AZ
Short-term health insurance in Arizona offers a temporary solution for individuals without coverage due to various life circumstances. This type of insurance is designed to fill gaps in coverage until a more permanent solution can be found. Below, we delve into the definition, purpose, and duration of coverage for short-term health insurance plans in Arizona, providing a clear understanding of what these plans entail and who they might benefit.
Definition and Purpose
Short-term health insurance, sometimes called temporary health insurance, is a type of health plan that provides coverage for a limited period. These plans offer financial protection against unexpected healthcare costs due to accidents or illnesses. Short-term plans are particularly suitable for individuals who are in transition phases, such as those between jobs, waiting for employer-sponsored health benefits to begin, recent college graduates, or individuals who have missed the open enrollment period for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans and do not qualify for a special enrollment period.
The primary purpose of short-term health insurance is to provide a temporary safety net that ensures individuals and families are not left financially vulnerable due to medical expenses during periods without traditional health insurance coverage. It’s important to note, however, that short-term plans are not required to cover the ACA’s essential health benefits, and they often include exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Duration of Coverage
In Arizona, the duration of short-term health insurance coverage has evolved over time. Initially, short-term plans were limited to a maximum duration of less than a year. However, following legislative changes, these plans can now have initial terms of up to 364 days. Furthermore, they can be renewed for up to 36 months, offering more extended coverage than previously available.
Individuals considering short-term health insurance must understand the specific terms related to the duration of coverage. While federal regulations allow for initial terms of up to 364 days, insurers can offer shorter terms. Additionally, the option to renew a plan for up to 36 months is at the insurance provider’s discretion, and not all plans may offer this possibility.
Leading Short-Term Health Insurance Providers in Arizona
Regarding short-term health insurance in Arizona, several providers stand out for their coverage options, network size, and plan flexibility. These providers offer a range of plans designed to meet the needs of individuals seeking temporary health insurance coverage. Let’s take a closer look at some of the state’s leading short-term health insurance providers.
National General Accident & Health
National General Accident & Health is recognized for its comprehensive short-term health insurance plans catering to various coverage needs. National General offers a selection of plan options that can be customized based on the duration of coverage required, ranging from a month to nearly a year. These plans provide a safety net for unexpected medical expenses, protecting individuals and families during transitional periods.
National General’s plans typically include benefits for services such as doctor visits, emergency room care, and hospital stays. The company also offers the flexibility to choose from various deductible and coinsurance options, allowing policyholders to tailor their coverage to their financial preferences and medical needs.
UnitedHealthcare (Golden Rule Insurance)
Through its underwriting company, Golden Rule Insurance, UnitedHealthcare provides short-term health insurance plans with a focus on flexibility and an extensive provider network. These plans are known for their budget-friendly coverage options for doctor office visits, emergency room visits, and other medical services.
One key advantage of choosing UnitedHealthcare for short-term health insurance is access to its nationwide network, which includes over 7,200 hospitals and 1.8 million healthcare professionals. This extensive network ensures that policyholders have a wide range of choices for quality care.
UnitedHealthcare offers a variety of short-term medical plans, including those with hospital and surgical coverage only, plans with basic coverage plus prescription benefits, and plans that balance cost and coverage with a focus on doctor visits. Some plans also offer the option to pay a copay for a set number of doctor visits without first meeting the medical deductible.
Other Notable Providers
In addition to National General and UnitedHealthcare, other notable short-term health insurance providers in Arizona, such as Companion Life and The North River Insurance Company.
Companion Life offers short-term medical insurance with benefits including doctor visit copays, prescription coverage, and telemedicine services. Their plans may provide up to $1 million of maximum coverage during the policy period, with the flexibility to enroll for as little as 30 days. Companion Life Insurance Company underwrites Companion Life’s plans and includes non-insurance benefits administered by Communicating for America, which can offer additional discounts and lifestyle benefits.
The North River Insurance Company, marketed by Pivot Health, provides short-term medical insurance that includes preventive health exams after three months of coverage and optional prescription drug benefits on plans. Their Epic Short-Term Health Insurance Plans are available in Arizona and offer a range of deductibles, coinsurance options, and out-of-pocket maximums. These plans also feature a PPO network with Cigna, providing policyholders access to a broad network of healthcare providers.
Each provider offers unique plan options and benefits, making it essential for individuals to carefully consider their specific needs and circumstances when selecting a short-term health insurance plan in Arizona.
| Company | Plan Name | Estimated Monthly Premium | Deductible | Coinsurance | Maximum Out-of-Pocket | Network Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National General Accident & Health | Short Term Medical | $110 - $200 | $1,000 - $10,000 | 20% - 50% | $2,500 - $10,000 | PPO |
| UnitedHealthcare | Copay | $150 - $250 | $1,000 - $5,000 | 20% - 50% | $3,000 - $10,000 | PPO |
| UnitedHealthcare | Value | $100 - $200 | $2,500 - $10,000 | 20% - 50% | $5,000 - $15,000 | PPO |
| UnitedHealthcare | Value Direct | $90 - $180 | $2,500 - $10,000 | 20% - 50% | $5,000 - $15,000 | PPO |
| Companion Life | Short Term Medical | $120 - $220 | $1,000 - $10,000 | 20% - 50% | $3,000 - $10,000 | PPO |
| The North River Insurance Company | Short Term Medical | $110 - $210 | $1,000 - $10,000 | 20% - 50% | $3,000 - $10,000 | PPO |
The table above compares short-term health insurance companies in Arizona, including National General Accident & Health, UnitedHealthcare (with specific plans Copay, Value, and Value Direct), Companion Life, and The North River Insurance Company (marketed by Pivot Health). Each plan’s estimated monthly premium, deductible, coinsurance, maximum out-of-pocket, and network type are listed. Please note that the estimated monthly premiums are based on a 30-year-old individual and may vary depending on age, location, and other factors.
Estimated Premium Cost for Short-Term Health Insurance Plans in Arizona
The average monthly premium for a short-term health insurance plan sold in Arizona was $290.72 in 2024. UnitedHealthcare offers short-term health insurance plans in Arizona with premiums ranging from $84.20 to $192.30 per month. National General’s short-term medical insurance is reported to be 54.93% less expensive than an Obamacare Bronze plan in Arizona.
These premium costs may vary depending on factors such as the deductible, coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket amounts. It is important to note that short-term health insurance plans typically have lower premiums compared to traditional health insurance plans, but they may offer limited coverage and benefits.
It’s important to note that the cost of short-term health insurance can be influenced by factors such as the level of benefits and coverage chosen, as well as the individual’s age, health status, and location. Additionally, short-term health insurance plans are not required to meet the standards of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which means they may not cover essential services like maternity care and mental health, and people with pre-existing conditions can be denied coverage.